Hot Topics



Hot Topics
May 15, 2012
 

UNC -CSI Deploys Ocean Observing Buoy to Record Nearshore Wave Energy Potential

A Waverider Buoy was recently deployed by UNC-CSI staff off of the Research Vessel SRVX.  The buoy is part of the UNC-CSI Ocean Energy Program, and will collect valuable data regarding the availability of nearshore wave energy as a resource for North Carolina.  

The location of the buoy is currently 8 miles from Oregon Inlet, and also provides valuable near real-time data for user groups of the inlet.  The Waverider buoy  records the wave height, wave period, wave direction and water temperature. 

The buoy records
wave direction, wave height and period using accelerometers that are found inside the buoy.  To get accurate readings the buoy needs to "ride" the waves, and a rubber cord is attached between the buoy and anchoring system to guarantee the range of motion the buoy requires.  

This project is a collaborative effort with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Duck and Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California.  The waverider buoy is also part of a larger network called the Coastal Data Information Program, and its data is available to the public through multiple avenues, including at the top of this webpage. 
     
 



>> Follow UNC CSI on Facebook
>>RECENT HOT TOPICS  

Employment Opportunities:

No open positions at this time.

Printer FriendlyPage Information

Research 
UNC-CSI and Partners Document WWII Shipwrecks
A diver on the 2011 Battle of the Atlantic Expedition documents the Dixie Arrow, a vessel sunk during WWII.This summer will mark the fourth year of study and documentation of vessels lost in North Carolina waters during the Battle of the Atlantic in WWII.  UNC-CSI assists NOAA's Office of Marine Sanctuaries, East Carolina University, RENCI, NC Department of Transportation and the Minerals Management Service in archaeological expeditions to document what remains of these vessels.  The Battle of the Atlantic in WWII was fought within miles of our shoreline, and it is a story that few have heard.  For more information on the expedition check the NOAA Marine Sanctuaries website and our facebook page

>>MORE INFORMATION
>>VIDEO CLIP

Publications
UNC-CSI Published Papers

UNC-CSI PublicationsThe UNC Coastal Studies Institute provides North Carolina Universities the opportunity to develop a greater niche in coastal research in North Carolina.  Research conducted by UNC-CSI is published in peer reviewed scientific papers.  Published papers by the faculty of the Institute have real world applications and assists policy and decision makers on important coastal issues. Click the link provided to view selected publications of research by the faculty of the UNC Coastal Studies Institute.


>>Link to Publications Page
>>Recent Coastal Engineering Publication

Education
Basic Observation Buoy (BOB) Project

The BOB buoy collects water quality and atmospheric data for 7 days at a time.UNC-CSI has worked alongside partners to implement a project among five schools in northeastern North Carolina to record water quality data from the Albemarle, Pamlico and Currituck Sounds.  The students constructed a basic buoy that holds water quality and atmospheric sensors and records data continually for seven days.  The students retrieve the buoy at the end of each week and recharge batteries, recalibrate sensors, download the data from the on-board computer and upload it to the internet.  The data is shared in a large network of BOB buoys along the East Coast.   

>>OTHER PROJECTS
>>Follow UNC-CSI and the field school on Facebook,
click here

Research
Estuarine Habitat's Nitrogen Removal Evaluated

Estuary habitatIn a recent manuscript in the Ecological Society of America journal Ecosphere titled Habitat-specific distinctions in estuarine denitrification affect both ecosystem function and services, Estuarine Ecology and Human Health Program Head, Mike Piehler and graduate student Ashley Smyth quantified the removal of nitrogen by estuarine habitats as an ecosystem service by comparing denitrification rates and identifying factors that may affect specific rates of denitrification in salt marshes, seagrass beds, oyster reefs, intertidal flats and subtidal flats.

>>MORE INFORMATION
>>Link to Manuscript
 

© Copyright 2012
UNC Coastal Studies Institute
UNC Coastal Studies Institute
217 Budleigh Street PO Box 699 Manteo, NC 27954 • tel. (252) 475.3663 • fax (252) 475.3545